Ex-mayor takes issue with ex-mayor

It is with much sadness that I feel I have to write this letter in response to former Bradenton Beach Mayor Katie Pierola’s inaccurate comments about former Mayor John Chappie and former Holmes Beach Mayor and current Manatee County Commissioner Carol Whitmore.

Pierola is very aware that these two servants of the public have both been Island residents for close to 40 years. They have served their cities well and the Island is a better place today due to their public service.

The difference of opinion is that Pierola supports John Chappie’s opponent and has proven so by hosting fundraising events and wearing T-shirts with the candidate she supports to various candidate functions. Whitmore has not hosted any events or displayed the candidate she supports at any candidate functions. Pierola’s candidate is supported by the biggest developer in District 3, Larry Lieberman of Long Bar Pointe, and to put it in Pierola’s own words, what is their agenda?

With all due respect, please do not speak negatively of your former mayor and colleagues who helped you fight the building of a new Cortez Bridge and supported you in the very successful beach renourishment while they were in office.

Connie Drescher,
Former Mayor, Bradenton Beach

Thank you to everyone who helped

After thinking how to say thank you to a bunch of people, I decided that the best way was really simple: write a letter to The Sun so every body can read it. I would have to start by giving thanks to the whole staff of nurses from the second floor in Rehabilitation Center at Blake Hospital. Thanks to all of them that were so kind and patient with my sense of humor.

On June 13, 2008: I suffered a stroke that put me in the hospital for 11 days. I never thought that I could have so many friends that care about me. From that day on, I discovered how many, many friends I have. I want to say thanks to everyone who helped me, beginning with my girlfriend’s aunt, that came from Puerto Rico to be with me and help in any way she could. And to my co-workers and my boss, Dave Sork, that let me keep my job at the Anna Maria City Pier. I’m the one that works in the bait shop. To all those who go to the pier, friends, clients, kids, old folks … my good friends Ted, Alex, Allan, Tom, Dick, Michelle, Dave … Stan and his wife MarieAnn, Tom Cluen, Carlos and Elwanda. To all the crew of regulars from the pier, Dee Brady, Larry and Linda and to The Sun newspaper for telling my story. And to all those that I don’t mention here, don’t think that I forget.

To my mother in Puerto Rico. My friends from Ohio, Germany, British, England, Texas, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Australia. I will never be able to mention all of them. To Dave Littlefield, for taking time to call to my house and ask about me. To all the people that pray for me for my quick recuperation. To my great step-daughter, Brenda, and her fiancé, Enrique. I would like to give special thanks to my grandson Joseph, for being with me until I get better. To my granddaughter Tianesha, she pray a lot so I can quit smoking. To my baby grandson for giving me the laughter that I need most. To all my grandkids in Massachusetts, New Orleans, Russia, thank you to my in-laws for being there with me and supporting me in many ways.

Thank you to all the people who donated money and time to help me ge through my illness. To Tracey and Patrick who raised funds so I can pay my bills. To Katie, Laura, Andres, David and all the crew from the restaurant. And thank you to all the people who welcomed me when I went back to work. Thank you and may God bless you all.

Jesus Rosario
Bait attendant Anna Maria City Pier